Should "win" or "lose" even have infinitive forms? A win or lose is an instantaneous event, so it shouldn't be possible to be in the process of winning or losing. Even if we define "winning" as "being in a position where one's own victory seems probable to a spectator or competitor", how do we determine who is more likely to be the winner for this particular game? Arguably, I am more likely to win because I am probably younger than you. Once you're dead, you have lost.